Can a heart murmur be caused by a faulty mitral valve?

Mitral valve prolapse is a common cause of a heart murmur caused by a “leaky” heart valve. Most cases of mitral valve prolapse are not serious and only need to be monitored. Mitral valve prolapse is associated with many other symptoms and conditions.

Is mitral valve disease the same as a heart murmur?

The term “heart murmur” refers to an abnormal sound in the heart caused by chaotic or turbulent blood flow. In the case of MVP, blood flowing back into left atrium — a condition known as mitral valve regurgitation — can cause a murmur. The sound of an MVP murmur is a swishing or whooshing noise.

What are the symptoms of a faulty mitral valve?

Symptoms

  • dizziness.
  • breathlessness.
  • tiredness.
  • an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or noticeable heartbeats (palpitations)
  • mitral regurgitation.

What would happen in the body if the mitral valve was not functioning properly?

If a valve doesn’t open or close properly, blood flow through the heart to the body can be reduced. In mitral valve regurgitation, the flaps don’t close tightly. Blood flows backward when the valve is closed, making it harder for the heart to work properly.

Is a heart murmur considered a heart defect?

An innocent heart murmur is not a sign of heart disease and doesn’t need treatment. Abnormal heart murmurs require follow-up testing to determine the cause. Treatment is directed at the cause of your abnormal heart murmur.

Which abnormality is likely to result in a heart murmur?

The most common cause of abnormal murmurs in children is when babies are born with structural problems of the heart (congenital heart defects). Common congenital defects that cause heart murmurs include: Holes in the heart or cardiac shunts.

Is mitral valve insufficiency serious?

Mild mitral insufficiency may cause little to no problems, while a more severe case may lead to pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation or heart failure. If the leakage is mild treatment may not be necessary. In more severe cases, your condition may require heart surgery to repair or replace the valve.

Can a heart murmur make you tired?

People with an abnormal heart murmur may have symptoms of the problem causing the murmur. Symptoms can include: Feeling weak or tired. Shortness of breath, especially with exercise.

Is a heart murmur considered heart disease?

An innocent heart murmur is not a sign of heart disease and doesn’t need treatment. Other heart murmurs may be a sign of a serious heart condition. Tests are needed to check the heart and heart valves. Heart murmur treatment depends on the cause.

How long can you live with a heart murmur?

If you or your child has an innocent heart murmur, you can live a completely normal life. It will not cause you any problems and is not a sign of an issue with your heart. If you have a murmur along with any of the following symptoms, see your doctor: You are very tired.